Bethany Council Approves Payment Pledged Toward West End Bridge

Bethany’s Board of Aldermen gave their official approval to pay their pledge towards the cost of the West End Bridge to Harrison County during their meeting Monday night. The city pledged $60,000 from the 2021 budget for the project. The bid opening for project was made in August. Boone Construction was awarded the bid at $1.017 million. The total project is $1.149 million dollars. The local funds needed to cover 20 percent of the cost of the 80-20 project is nearly $230,000.

Bethany City Administrator Jacob Taylor told council members that the city has been accepted into the Missouri Main Street Connect program. Green Hills Regional Planning will be covering an initial $12,600 cost to allow the city to participate initially. The city will be responsible to renew participation with $150 initially and have access to workshops and conference discounts. The city could then continue paying for participation in the program if they feel the program is worthwhile.

Administrator Jacob Taylor presented an informational item to the council that the city will be preparing itself if a potential spike in natural gas prices is realized. The city’s gas contractor, Constellation Gas, notified the city of the potential for a spike. Administrator Taylor says when the city receives recommendations from Constellation Gas, a two to three year plan will be made dealing with the city’s natural gas pricing.

Most of the parts for the new snack stand and bathrooms at Babe Adams Ballfield have been bid out. Work could be started this fall.

Representatives from the school district, the Harrison County Community Hospital, the Harrison County Health Department, and the Bethany Parks and Recreation Department will meet in the middle part of the month to review the layout of the walking trails and other improvements for the Israel Property Development.

Building Inspector Norman Newlin also presented some needs for the Bethany Train Depot to keep the integrity of the structure. Those suggestions included closing up windows that have been broken, closing the back door, digging piers and providing concrete support. The work is being considered if a future use is determined for the structure.

Allen Fountain will be winterized. Crack sealing for roads will begin either next week or the week after next.

The city’s salt/stand structure has also been completed.